Member Profile: Belissa from Brazil

House: Manhattan Columbus Home near Central Park

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m Belissa, I’m from Brazil. I’m a Hospitality Management student back home, so I decided to use my “summer break” – it’s summer now in Brazil- to come here and gain some experience in my area of study, plus the perks of being in New York.

I’ve been here a couple of times and I can never get enough of this city. I love it here… there is so much to do and see, and every time I come here there is always something different going on.

What is your favorite thing about your time in New York so far?

I haven’t had that much time here yet since I’m a new member. However, the house where I live, there is another Brazilian, so we get to talk in our native language, cook Brazilian dishes, and stuff like that. It was a nice touch, and we bonded really fast. It’s nice to have someone from the same place as you, especially when you are new. It feels like home – far from home.

What are your interests in the hospitality industry? What field would you like to go into?

I’m trying to get into the aviation part of the business–as a flight attendant for Emirates (there are others in Brazil but they are not number 1 in the field. Emirates is the one I am hoping for).

I graduate this year and hope to live in Dubai, Emirates’ headquarters. If that does not work out for some reason, I have my eye on France as there is a Disney complex there and I have heard it is not a problem to live there full time.

What’s your favorite place in New York?

Times Square for sure! It kinda feels like a dream when I’m there! I know it’s crazy, busy and everything, but I just love it!

What’s your favorite thing about Manhattan Columbus House?

I just love that it’s so close to Central Park! Whenever I need to get somewhere, if I can go walking, I’ll walk by Central Park!